Hatch assembly with storage and audio arrangement

ABSTRACT

A hatch assembly for a boat including a body pivotally attached to a boat deck, whereby the body can pivot between an open position and closed position to provide access to an power source within a boat hull. The body includes an audio device and a compartment for storage. A cover pivotally attaches to the body, whereby the cover can pivot from an open position to a closed position to provide access to the storage bin and partially cover the audio device. A seating area extends across an interior portion of the body and has a removeable portion that removes to create an entryway to the deck of the boat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to boats and boat decks, and more particularly, to boat deck hatches. Most modern boats include numerous conveniences that make boating a pleasurable experience. Among these conveniences are flexible seating arrangements, large storage bins, and various accessories, such as audio equipment. However, due to the limited space available on boats, including these conveniences can take away valuable deck space from other more necessary boat components, such as a boat hatch that allows access to an inboard motor. Therefore, it is important to configure all boating components, necessary and convenient, in a configuration that maximizes deck and storage space.

Some accessories, such as audio equipment, are susceptible to damage from exposure to the outdoor elements and, in particular, exposure to water. Therefore, it is also important that boat deck configurations provide some protection from the elements to vulnerable components, while still allowing the components to be easily accessible and function properly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a boat with a hatch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the stern of the boat with the hatch assembly in the closed position;

FIG. 3 is an overhead perspective view of the stern of the boat with the hatch assembly in the open position and the removable portion of a seating area removed;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the stern of the boat with hatch assembly with cover members in the open position;

FIG. 5 is an overhead plan view of the hatch assembly;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the hatch assembly;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the hatch assembly;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the hatch assembly; and

FIG. 9 is an overhead plan view of an alternate embodiment of the hatch assembly.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, an embodiment of the present invention, referred to generally as a hatch assembly 10 for a boat A, includes a body 12 pivotally attached to a boat deck B with hinges 14. The body 12 can pivot from a closed position (FIG. 2), which forms a contiguous seating area 16 across the stern of the boat A, to an open position (FIG. 3), which provides access to an inboard motor C mounted within the boat hull D at the stern of the boat A. A posterior portion 18 of the body 12 includes a pair of storage compartments 20 (FIG. 4) with a corresponding pair of cover members 22, which are pivotally attached to the body 12 with hinges 24. The cover members 22 can pivot from a closed position (FIG. 1), which defines an opening 26 into the storage compartment between the cover members 22 and the body 12, to an open position, which provides access to the storage compartments 20 (FIG. 4). An audio device, such as a loudspeaker 28, is positioned within each storage compartment 20 to emit sound outwardly through the opening 26. The loudspeaker 28 is operatively connected to an electrical device, such as a stereo receiver, CD player, iPod®, microphone, and the like to provide sound signals. While the illustrated embodiment shows a pair of compartments, it is understood that any number of compartments can be used, including one.

From an overhead plan view (FIG. 5), the body 12 is generally rectangular shaped to correspond with the shape of an opening 30 defined by the deck B (FIG. 3). A recessed edge 32 along the opening 30 seats with the body 12 and defines a channel 34 that works as a drip rail to prevent water from dripping into the hull D. Recessed edge 32 collects water and routes or directs water away from the deck opening 30. From a side elevation view (FIG. 7), the body 12 includes a generally L-shaped anterior portion 36, which corresponds to a step-up area 38 in the boat deck B. The body 12 also includes the arcuately shaped posterior portion 18, which corresponds to the upper stern 42 of the boat A. A generally horizontal planar section 44 extends transversely through the midsection of the posterior portion 18.

For additional comfort to passengers, the anterior portion 36 supports padded side seat members 46, side backrests 48, and a removable center seat member 50. The side seat members 46, side backrests 48 are attached by any appropriate means, such as fasteners or adhesive. The center seat member 50 can be secured between the side seat members 46 with a friction fit. However, any appropriate means can be used for securing the center seat member 50, such as Velcro®. Alternatively, the center seat member can be fixedly attached to the anterior portion 36 with an appropriate means, such as adhesive or fasteners. A removable padded center backrest 52 has brackets 54 extending from the bottom that engage with holes 56 in the planar section 44 of the body 12 (FIG. 4). The brackets 54 include engagement members 58 at the ends, such as spring-loaded detents, that provide positive engagement with holes 56. However, other engagement members 58 can be used, which includes but is not limited to the detachable backrest brackets manufactured by GG Schmitt & Sons. When assembled, the center seat member 50 and center backrest 52 are aligned with the side seat members 46 and side backrests 48 to form the contiguous seating area 16 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, the center seat member 50 and center backrest 52 can be removed to form an entryway to the boat deck B (FIG. 4). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the body 12 can be other shapes and sizes. An additional removable seat member 53 (FIG. 2) can be secured along the seating area 16 with any appropriate means, such as a friction fit, brackets, or fasteners.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each storage compartment 20 includes a generally rectangular main storage area 60, which is sized to receive and store boat accessories, such as rope. The main storage area 60 also has a storage tube 62 extending inwardly toward the hull and sized to receive and store conventional boat fenders 63, such as 6½″ in diameter by 24″ deep. However, the main storage area 60 and storage tube 62 can be any shape and size to accommodate other storage items. Each storage compartment 60 also includes a generally truncated cylindrical recess 64 adjacent to the main storage area 60. The recess 64 has a hole 66 for mounting the loudspeaker 28 in a position aligned with the opening 26 defined by the cover member 22 and the body 12. In alternate embodiments, the loudspeaker 28 can be surface mounted within the recess 64 without the hole 66. As previously mentioned, this arrangement allows the sound from the loudspeaker 28 to project clearly through the opening 26 for enjoyment by the passengers when the cover member 22 is in the closed position. In addition, the cover member 22 provides adequate protection from the elements to the loudspeaker 28. This arrangement facilitates easier use of the loudspeakers 28 to the passengers because no adjustment of the cover member 22 is needed to enjoy the emitting sound. In addition, the storage compartment 20 can remain secured while the loudspeakers 28 are in use.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate embodiment of the hatch assembly 10 having cover members 22 that each include a frame member 80 extending from the proximal end of the cover member 22 to the distal end of the cover member 22, thereby defining the opening 26. A guard member 82 extends across the opening 26 and secures to the cover member 22, such as with a friction fit or with a fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the guard member 82 is a speaker grill, preferably make of plastic or other weather-proof material. In addition, the guard member 82 can also comprise other structures which are generally acoustically transparent, such as speaker grill cloth or cell polyurethane foam. Similar to FIGS. 1 and 4, the cover members 22 can pivot from a closed position to an open position, which provides access to the storage compartments 20. The opening 26 and guard member 82 are positioned generally aligned with each storage compartment 20 so that the loudspeaker 28 can emit sound outwardly through the opening 26 and guard member 82. While the illustrated embodiment shows a cover member 22 having a single opening 26 with a single guard member 82, it is understood that any number of openings and guard members or combination thereof can be used which allow the loudspeaker 28 to emit sound therethrough.

An air strut 68 operatively connects each cover member 22 with the body 12 with appropriate fasteners 70 so that the cover member 22 pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the struts 68 extend, thereby pivoting the cover member 22 upwards, preferably to about 45° above the horizon, and providing access to the storage compartment 20. The struts 68 are biased to hold the cover member 22 in an open position. In the closed position, the struts 68 retract, thereby pivoting the cover member 22 downwards and seating the cover member 22 on the body 12. For security purposes, each cover member 22 includes a latch 72 to secure the cover member 22 to the body 12. While the illustrated embodiment shows air struts 68, it is understood that any other apparatus that can be employed to connect the cover member 22 with the body 12 so that the covers pivot between an open and closed position is encompassed by the scope of the invention. These apparatus could include, but are not limited to, hydraulic struts, hinge assemblies, a power actuated lift, a telescoping rod, and so forth. Hence, the term strut is intended to include any such apparatus that can perform the intended function.

An electric lift 74 is operatively connected between the body 12 and a power source 76, such as an inboard motor or a battery (FIG. 3). In operation, the electric lift 74 extends and retracts to pivot the body 12 between an open and closed position. In the open position, the electric lift 74 extends, thereby pivoting the hatch assembly 10 upwards and providing access to the power source 76 within the boat hull D. In the closed position, the electric lift 74 retracts, thereby, pivoting the hatch assembly 10 downwards seating the body 12 on the recessed edge 32 so that the body 12 is flush with the deck B. For ease of use, the electric lift 74 is also operatively connected to a switch on an instrument panel to allow the operator to remotely open and close the hatch assembly 10. In addition, the lift 74 can be powered independently of the power source 76. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of lifts can be used, such as a hydraulic lift, a jack-type lift, or telescoping lift which may function manually and not connected to a power source. In any event, the term lift, particularly in the appended claims, is intended to include any apparatus that functions to raise and lower the hatch assembly 10.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 discloses the body 12 as pivotally attached to the boat deck B with hinges 14, alternate embodiments can include other methods of attaching the body 12 to the deck B. For example, the body 12 can be removably attached to the deck B. In an alternate embodiment, the body 12 seats in the recessed edge 32 of the deck opening 26 and can be raised and lowered, either manually or with an appropriate lift 74, from an open position to a closed position. Likewise, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 disclose the cover member 22 as pivotally attached to the body 12 with hinge 24. However, alternate embodiments can include other methods of attaching the cover member 22 to the body 12. For example, the cover member 22 can be removably attached to the body 12.

Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A hatch assembly for a boat, comprising: a body associated with a rear portion of a boat deck, the body having at least one compartment; at least one cover member moveably attached to the body, the cover member being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining at least one opening to the compartment in the closed position; and at least one audio device mounted within the compartment to project sound through the at least one opening.
 2. The hatch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: at least one portion within the compartment that is capable of being completely covered by the at least one cover member for securing contents therein.
 3. The hatch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: at least one portion within the compartment being sized to receive at least one boat fender.
 4. The hatch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a seating area across the body, the seating area having at least one removable portion that can be removed to provide an entryway to the deck of the boat.
 5. The hatch assembly of claim 1, wherein the audio device is a loudspeaker.
 6. The hatch assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one guard member associated with the at least one opening.
 7. The hatch assembly of claim 1, wherein the body is moveably attached to the boat deck, the body being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position to provide access to a boat hull.
 8. The hatch assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a lift operatively connected between a power source and the body, the lift being capable of moving the hatch assembly between an open and closed position.
 9. A hatch assembly for a boat, comprising: a body associated with a boat deck; at least one audio device mounted within a recess of the body; and at least one cover member moveably attached to the body, the cover member being capable of moving between an open position to provide access to the at least one audio device and a closed position that at least partially covers the recess to provide at least one opening for the at least one audio device to emit sound aft therethorugh.
 10. The hatch assembly of claim 9, further comprising: at least one compartment that is capable of being completely covered by the at least one cover member for securing contents therein.
 11. The hatch assembly of claim 10, further comprising: at least one portion within the compartment being sized to receive at least one boat fender.
 12. The hatch assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a seating area across the body, the seating area having at least one removable portion that can be removed to provide an entryway to the deck of the boat.
 13. The hatch assembly of claim 9, wherein the audio device is a loudspeaker.
 14. The hatch assembly of claim 9, further comprising at least one guard member associated with the at least one opening.
 15. The hatch assembly of claim 9, wherein the body is moveably attached to the boat deck, the body being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position to provide access to a boat hull.
 16. The hatch assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a lift operatively connected between a power source and the body, the lift being capable of moving the hatch assembly between an open position and a closed position.
 17. A boat comprising: a deck; and a hatch assembly on the deck, the hatch assembly having a body moveably attached to the deck, the body being capable of moving between an open position and closed position to provide access to a boat hull, the hatch assembly having at least one audio device mounted within a recess of the body and at least one cover member moveably attached to the body, the cover member being capable of moving between an open position to provide access to the audio device and a closed position that partially covers the recess to provide at least one opening for the at least one audio device to emit sound therethrough.
 18. The hatch assembly of claim 17, further comprising: at least one compartment that is capable of being completely covered by the at least one cover member for securing contents therein.
 19. The hatch assembly of claim 18, further comprising: at least one portion within the compartment being sized to receive at least one boat fender.
 20. The hatch assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a seating area across the body, the seating area having at least one removable portion that can be removed to provide an entryway to the deck of the boat.
 21. The hatch assembly of claim 17, wherein the audio device is a loudspeaker.
 22. The hatch assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a lift operatively connected between a power source and the body, the lift being capable of moving the hatch assembly between an open position and a closed position.
 23. The boat of claim 17, further comprising: at least one strut pivotally connected between the body and the cover.
 24. The boat of claim 17, wherein the body seats on a recessed edge of the deck.
 25. The boat of claim 17, further comprising at least one guard member associated with the at least one opening. 